Background and Concept The concept of IYC 2011 started with the recognition by IUPAC that a number of scientific disciplines have achieved significant benefits from securing designation by the United Nations of an international year pertaining to their field. The idea of holding a year of chemistry was first discussed in 2006, during the April meeting of the IUPAC Executive Committee. IUPAC Endorsement August 2007 UNESCO Support April 2008 UN Declaration December 2008
International Year of Chemistry 2011 At its General Assembly in 2007 IUPAC unanimously approved a resolution in favour of the proclamation of 2011 as the Year of Chemistry. The year 2011 marks the one-hundredth anniversary of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded to Marie Sklodowska Curie, recognizing her discovery of the elements radium and polonium. It is also the one-hundredth anniversary of the famous Solvay conference in Brussels, which led to the formation of IUPAC in 1919.
International Year of Chemistry 2011 On 30 December 2008 - The 63rd General Assembly of the United Nations has adopted a resolution proclaiming 2011 as International Year of Chemistry, placing UNESCO and the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) at the helm of the event.
Objectives of the International Year of Chemistry Increase the public appreciation and understanding of chemistry in meeting world needs Encourage interest of young people in chemistry Generate enthusiasm for the creative future of chemistry Celebrate the role of women in chemistry and major historical events in chemistry, including the centenary of Marie Sklodowska Curie s Nobel Prize, recognizing her discovery of the elements radium and polonium.
IYC 2011 All known matter gas, liquid and solid is composed of the chemical elements or of compounds made from those elements. Humankind s understanding of the material nature of our world is grounded in our knowledge of chemistry. Indeed all living processes are controlled by chemical reactions. The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) and UNESCO strongly believe that it is time to celebrate the achievements of chemistry and its contributions to the well-being of humankind.
IYC 2011 Molecular transformations are basic to production of foodstuffs, medicines, fuels and materials essentially all manufactured and extracted products. We will rely on this science to maintain a sustainable, wholesome environment for all the earth. Chemistry is the key to sustainable development. IYC 2011 is a unique opportunity for everyone to celebrate the central contributions of chemistry.
Objectives of the International Year of Chemistry Increase the public appreciation and understanding of chemistry in meeting world needs Encourage interest of young people in chemistry Generate enthusiasm for the creative future of chemistry Celebrate the role of women in chemistry and major historical events in chemistry, including the centenaries of Mme. Curie s Nobel Prize Conversation between Chemistry and Society about the future shape of chemistry for sustainability set in the context of chemistry s achievements
United Nations Millennium Goals Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women Goal 4: Reduce child mortality Goal 5: Improve maternal health Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability Goal 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development CHEMISTRY is vital to achieving these goals!
Global Partners IUPAC and UNESCO Organizing Partners United Nations Federations of Chemical Societies FACS, FASC, FLAQ, EuCheMS National Chemical Societies Industry NGOs Educational and Research Institutions Individuals
Making an Impact highlight the nature, beauty and relevance both economic and environmental of chemistry to the modern world use the media effectively to enhance the profile of chemistry, as viewed by pupils, the general population and politicians work together to achieve these goals IYC is a chance that will not come again for some time...
Cornerstone Events Opening Ceremony under the aegis of the UN, UNESCO, and IUPAC Jan 27-28, 2011 Paris, France theme - Chemistry and the UN Millennium Goals IUPAC World Congress - "Chemistry Bridging Innovation among the Americas and the World" Jul 30 - Aug 7, 2011 San Juan, Puerto Rico Closing Event - under the patronage of the Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry Dec 1, 2011 Brussels, Belgium
Other Key Events Pacifichem 2010 Pre-inaugural reception publicizing the International Year for Pacific Rim participants Dec 15-20, 2010 Honolulu, Hawaii, USA Chemistry the key to Africa s future Congress of the Federation of African Societies of Chemistry (FASC) Jan 16-21, 2011 Johannesburg, South Africa CHEMRAWN - Symposium on Biofuels Sep 2011 (date tba) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Global Water Experiment Students around the world (elementary, secondary and/or tertiary) measure, collect samples or data, e.g., water samples for isotopic composition and ph, send to a collective database Topic related to IYC themes chemistry and sustainability ; likely focus on water supplies
Activities some examples African Conference - Science, education and capacity building challenges related to SAICM (UN s Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management) implementation. Numerous national proposals from commemorative postage stamps, open days and specific celebrations, for example, for Madame Curie at the Sorbonne/ L Oreal award for women in science Celebrating stories of chemistry
Activities more examples Re-energising existing national/regional outreach activities Social networking (facebook, YouTube) on chemistryrelated questions Video clips (existing and new) to promote the contributions of chemistry Providing real expertise through an ask a scientist program Educational resources chemistry board game, Australian chemistry quiz, videos of famous chemists, science fair participants